How far is Burnsville, MN from Forest Lake, MN?
The driving distance from Burnsville, MN to Forest Lake, MN is about 43.7 miles (70.3 km), with a travel time of about 00h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.1 miles (61.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 52m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 56m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Ramsey County, Minnesota
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Burnsville and Forest Lake.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Burnsville and Forest Lake.
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1
Start on Nicollet Avenue South
1 km · 1 min · Nicollet Avenue South
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2
Turn right
2 mi · 3 min
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3
Turn right onto Cliff Road East
2.1 mi · 4 min · Cliff Road East
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4
Turn left onto I 35E North
1582 ft · 41 sec
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5
Merge slight left
10.2 mi · 13 min
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6
Keep slight left
2.7 mi · 5 min
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7
Keep slight left
2303 ft · 36 sec
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8
Merge slight right onto Purple Heart Memorial Highway
107 m · 5 sec · Purple Heart Memorial Highway
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9
Take the exit slight left toward I 35E North, US 10 West
5.2 mi · 7 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on US 10 West, I 694 West, I 694 East
1620 ft · 20 sec
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 35E North, I 694 East
2496 ft · 35 sec
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12
Merge slight left
1.3 km · 60 sec
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13
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
17.3 mi · 19 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward CR 2: Forest Lake
1134 ft · 28 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on CR 2
53 m · 7 sec
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16
Turn right onto West Broadway Avenue
1.3 km · 2 min · West Broadway Avenue
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17
Enter the roundabout and take exit 1 toward Lake Street South
4 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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18
Exit the roundabout onto Lake Street South
15 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Lake Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Burnsville and Forest Lake.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
I 35E North
Keep slight left to continue on I 35E North: Duluth
17.3 mi · 00h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Burnsville and Sunny near Forest Lake.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Burnsville to Forest Lake?
The road trip is about 43.7 miles (70.3 km) and usually takes 00h 56m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Little Canada is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.8 miles from Burnsville and 21.9 miles from Forest Lake.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.1 miles (61.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.6 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:38 PM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.50 one way or $10.99 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Burnsville and Sunny near Forest Lake.
Stop Ideas Near Little Canada
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Minneapolis City Hall
St. Louis Park City Hall
Mall of America®
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Little Canada.
Saint Paul Union Depot
Red Wing station
Menomonie, WI
St. Cloud
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Burnsville and Forest Lake. Straight-line distance: 38.1 mi (61.31 km).
#1 Burnsville
The most populous city in Dakota County, Minnesota.
| Population | 62,170 |
| Coordinates | 44.7677400, -93.2777200 |
| Altitude | 296 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Forest Lake
City in Washington County, Minnesota, United States
| Population | 21,285 |
| Coordinates | 45.2788600, -92.9852200 |
| Altitude | 278 |
| Country | United States |
End: Forest Lake (-92.98522, 45.27886)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 70 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 05m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 32m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.57 | $5.50 | $10.99 |
| Mid-grade | $3.92 | $6.04 | $12.08 |
| Premium | $4.39 | $6.76 | $13.53 |
| Diesel | $4.86 | $7.49 | $14.98 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Minnesota · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.